8 Essential Oils For Candles
When it comes to creating beautiful scented candles, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing between essential oils and fragrance oils. This choice affects not only the aroma of your candles but also their safety, environmental impact, and overall quality. Essential oils offer a natural alternative to synthetic fragrance oils, but they come with their own set of considerations for candle making.
1. What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that capture the natural scent and flavor, or “essence,” of plants. They’re extracted through several methods including:
- Steam distillation
- Cold pressing
- Solvent extraction
- CO2 extraction
Unlike fragrance oils, essential oils are derived from natural sources such as flowers, herbs, and trees, making them a popular choice for those seeking natural candle options.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 100% natural origin | Higher cost than fragrance oils |
| Therapeutic benefits | Can be difficult to achieve strong scent throw |
| Non-toxic when properly used | May affect candle burn performance |
2. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils for candle making, prized for its calming and relaxing properties.
Key Features:
- Soothing floral scent that promotes relaxation
- Excellent for bedrooms and spaces dedicated to relaxation
- Blends well with other essential oils like bergamot and cedarwood
- Relatively strong scent throw compared to other essential oils
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Widely available and recognizable scent | Can smell medicinal if used in high concentrations |
| Proven stress-reducing properties | Mid-range price point |
| Good scent retention in soy and beeswax | May discolor some waxes over time |
3. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus offers a fresh, invigorating scent that’s perfect for creating energizing candles.
Key Features:
- Clean, crisp aroma with clearing properties
- Ideal for bathrooms and workspaces
- Known for its respiratory benefits
- Creates an uplifting atmosphere
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong natural scent even in small amounts | Can be overpowering if not properly diluted |
| Blends well with mint, lemon, and tea tree | May cause wax to set up differently |
| Relatively affordable compared to other essential oils | Not everyone enjoys the medicinal quality |
4. Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil brings a bright, clean scent that’s perfect for creating refreshing candles.
Key Features:
- Citrusy, uplifting aroma that energizes spaces
- Natural cleansing properties
- Perfect for kitchens and living areas
- Creates a welcoming atmosphere
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Universally appealing fresh scent | Can fade more quickly than other oils |
| Affordable and widely available | May cause accelerated wax setting |
| Blends beautifully with other citrus oils | Can be affected by heat and light exposure |
5. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint provides a refreshing, invigorating scent that’s perfect for creating energizing candles.
Key Features:
- Strong, minty aroma with cooling properties
- Great for focus and concentration
- Popular during holiday seasons
- Creates a clean, fresh atmosphere
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Potent scent requiring smaller amounts | Can overwhelm other scents in blends |
| Long-lasting aroma retention | May affect candle burning temperature |
| Relatively affordable | Not ideal for relaxation spaces |
6. Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood offers a warm, woody scent that’s perfect for creating cozy, grounding candles.
Key Features:
- Rich, earthy aroma with grounding properties
- Creates a warm, cozy atmosphere
- Excellent base note in essential oil blends
- Popular for men’s candle scents
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long-lasting scent profile | Can be overpowering if not properly diluted |
| Blends well with citrus and floral oils | Darker color may affect candle appearance |
| Good cold and hot throw in most waxes | Not as universally appealing as some scents |
7. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil provides a fresh, medicinal scent with purifying properties.
Key Features:
- Clean, medicinal aroma with purifying qualities
- Known for its antimicrobial properties
- Creates a fresh, clean atmosphere
- Popular for bathroom and spa candles
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong purifying properties | Medicinal scent not appealing to everyone |
| Blends well with lavender and citrus | Can be overwhelming in high concentrations |
| Relatively affordable | May affect candle setting time |
8. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary provides an herbaceous, invigorating scent that’s perfect for creating focusing candles.
Key Features:
- Herbaceous, stimulating aroma
- Promotes mental clarity and focus
- Creates an energizing atmosphere
- Excellent for office and study spaces
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong herbal scent with good staying power | Can smell medicinal to some people |
| Blends well with citrus and mint oils | May accelerate wax setting |
| Mid-range price point | Not ideal for relaxation spaces |
Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils for Candles
Understanding the differences between essential oils and fragrance oils is crucial for candle makers:
| Feature | Essential Oils | Fragrance Oils |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Natural plant extracts | Synthetic compounds, often petroleum-based |
| Cost | Generally more expensive | More affordable |
| Scent Throw | Often weaker, especially in cold throw | Typically stronger and more consistent |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic when properly used | May contain potentially harmful chemicals |
| Variety | Limited to naturally occurring scents | Unlimited scent possibilities |
| Therapeutic Benefits | May offer aromatherapy benefits | Generally no therapeutic properties |
| Stability in Candles | May affect burn quality | Formulated specifically for candles |
According to information from Reddit discussions, “Essential oils are much safer compared to fragrance oils because fragrance oils are made out of petroleum and is cheaper which is why Bath and Body works use [them].” However, many candle makers note that essential oils can be challenging to work with in candle making.
Tips for Using Essential Oils in Candles
If you’re committed to using essential oils in your candle making, consider these important tips:
1. Choose the Right Wax
Natural waxes like soy and beeswax tend to work better with essential oils than paraffin. Fontana Candle Co. emphasizes using “non-toxic beeswax essential oil candles” for safety and quality.
2. Use the Correct Concentration
Essential oils typically require a higher concentration than fragrance oils—about 30-40 drops per 8 oz of wax. However, this varies by oil type.
3. Add Oils at the Right Temperature
Add essential oils when your wax has cooled to around 140°F (60°C) to prevent excessive evaporation of the volatile compounds.
4. Consider Using Fixatives
Natural fixatives like orris root powder or benzoin resin can help essential oil scents last longer in candles.
5. Create Custom Blends
Combining complementary essential oils can create unique scents with better staying power. Popular combinations include:
- Lavender + Vanilla
- Lemon + Rosemary
- Cedarwood + Orange
- Eucalyptus + Peppermint
Safety Considerations for Essential Oil Candles
When working with essential oils in candles, keep these safety considerations in mind:
- Some essential oils are flammable at high concentrations
- Certain oils may cause skin sensitivity when the candle is burning
- Always research individual oil properties before use
- Test small batches before large-scale production
- Keep essential oils away from children and pets
As Nature’s Garden notes, it’s important to use “concentrated essential oils that are super potent” but to understand their properties for safe use.
Where to Buy Quality Essential Oils for Candles
Finding high-quality essential oils is crucial for successful candle making. Look for suppliers that:
- Provide pure, undiluted oils
- Specify extraction methods
- Offer detailed information about sourcing
- Have positive reviews from candle makers
- Provide oils specifically formulated for candle making when possible
According to industry sources, look for “100% pure essential oils for all-natural bath and body products and candle making” that are “vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO, and ready for your next [project].”
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Candles
While essential oils present some challenges for candle makers, they offer a natural alternative that many consumers prefer. The decision between essential oils and fragrance oils ultimately depends on your priorities:
- Choose essential oils if: You prioritize natural ingredients, potential aromatherapy benefits, and are willing to work with their limitations.
- Choose fragrance oils if: Scent throw, consistency, and cost-effectiveness are your top priorities.
Many successful candle makers find that a balanced approach works best—using essential oils when possible and high-quality fragrance oils when necessary. Whatever you choose, proper testing and attention to safety will help you create beautiful, aromatic candles that delight your customers or enhance your home.